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SHARING IS CARING

By Andrew Irumba

 

Hey folks! I’m in Rwanda as I write this. It’s based on ‘Eye-witness’ read…

Kampala, the pulsating heart of Uganda, embodies a kaleidoscope of chaos, ambition, and grit. But for a visitor who has ventured beyond its bustling streets to Kigali, Rwanda, and Mwanza, Tanzania, it becomes a stark lesson in contrasts. What Kigali and Mwanza have mastered, Kampala struggles to even conceptualize—a disciplined, humane, and sustainable societal order.

Rwanda’s Clean Road Network That Welcomes You From Border To Border

The Environment: A Tale of Plastic and Pride

In Kigali, the absence of non-biodegradable materials like caveera (plastic bags) stands out immediately. Streets and markets sparkle, not just because they are cleaned, but because a national conscience guards against littering. This is no accident—it is the product of stringent enforcement and a deeply ingrained environmental ethic. Meanwhile, Kampala’s laws on caveera bans gather dust on shelves, leaving its streets drowning in plastic. Mwanza, too, mirrors Kigali’s pride in sustainability, highlighting a deliberate commitment to nature.

Humanity in Transactions

Rwanda’s sense of humanity struck deep when a bus conductor graciously accepted Ugandan money and later refused repayment, exuding a sense of trust and kindness rare in Kampala’s public transport. Back in Kampala, a naïve commuter would likely be exploited for not knowing exact fares. Mwanza, with its equally courteous transport operators, echoes Kigali’s ethos, leaving Kampala far behind in cultivating trust and goodwill.

Road Discipline: The Zebra Crossing Dilemma

Crossing a street in Kigali or Mwanza is an exercise in respect and lawfulness. A car stopping for pedestrians at a zebra crossing isn’t just common; it’s mandatory. In Kampala, however, zebra crossings often become battlegrounds where pedestrians and motorists jostle for dominance, risking life and limb. Even boda bodas, synonymous with chaos in Kampala, obey traffic lights in Kigali and Mwanza, while in Kampala, they thrive in defiance of rules.

 Community Engagement and Cleanliness

Rwanda’s Umuganda, a monthly nationwide cleanup day, is a hallmark of collective responsibility. Streets and towns sparkle not just because they are cleaned, but because everyone participates, creating a shared sense of ownership. Mwanza, too, boasts clean streets, often swept by dedicated locals. Kampala’s streets, in contrast, overflow with trash, as collective apathy festers. The comparison lays bare Kampala’s missed opportunity to unite its citizens in a common cause.

Moral Governance and Lodging Laws

Rwanda has taken bold steps to legislate morality, mandating marriage certificates for couples sharing a room in lodges—a move aimed at curbing prostitution among locals. Kampala, however, remains laissez-faire, inadvertently becoming a hub for activities discouraged in Rwanda. Mwanza, while not as strict, echoes Kigali’s values in its societal structure.

Infrastructure and Public Transport

From the moment one crosses into Rwanda or Tanzania, the contrast is stark. Smooth roads adorned with neatly trimmed trees greet visitors, with clean, orderly buses waiting at stations. Kampala, meanwhile, grapples with pothole-ridden roads and dirty taxis. Public transport, far from being a source of pride, is an ordeal marred by discomfort and neglect.

A Reflection on Leadership

Rwanda and Tanzania’s societal organization is not accidental—it is the product of leadership that prioritizes the collective good. Kigali’s streets and Mwanza’s disciplined order reflect the vision of leaders who understand the importance of creating systems that respect people and nature alike. In contrast, Kampala’s leaders seem content with maintaining the status quo, leaving its citizens to navigate chaos and inefficiency.

A Hope for Kampala

Returning to Kampala after such an experience is bittersweet. It is a city bursting with potential, yet shackled by poor governance and societal indiscipline. However, hope lies in adopting lessons from Kigali and Mwanza—enforcing laws, fostering humanity, and inspiring collective responsibility. Kampala doesn’t need to reinvent itself; it only needs to follow the footsteps of its neighbors to become the vibrant, disciplined city it is meant to be.